Inspiration Photo Friday: The Little Things

05 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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antique, appreciation, beauty, blue, energy, happiness, home, life, little things, love, nature, plant, positive, trees, vintage, window, world

Whenever times are a little rough in my life or I am slightly down, I just try to think about the little things that make me happy. Sometimes it’s the little things that matter most, you know. This concept can work pretty much in every situation. Just focus and try to not let whatever is upsetting you bring your energy to a low place.

Even when you are happy, its always good to take a look at the little things in your life you truly appreciate. Walk around your home and notice the small details that make you smile. Take a look at your partner and recognize those little mannerisms that you fell in love with. Step outside and see how beautiful the world can be, even its just the tiniest flower found in your path. There will always be something ready to share its inner beauty, if only you stop and looked.

I took this photo yesterday, while I was feeling a little down. It was after I has rested in our room with the dogs for awhile to relax and clear my mind. This little area of our stairwell always makes me smile. Throughout the day, the light finds a way to shine just perfect and the stillness you feel coming up and down the stairs is so peaceful. It’s one of my favorite spots in our home.

It’s the little things like this, I really love. That old window has been a part of this house since the beginning. To think we get to appreciate how pretty it is, after all these years, is something really special. Every minute it shares its beauty, and I simply take it in.

Inspiration Photo Friday: The Little Things - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way

28 Friday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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advice, bellmore, earth, life, meroke preserve, motivation, nature, new york, outdoors, path, patience, positivity, strength, success, trees, woods

There have been plenty of times in my life when I thought things couldn’t get any worse. Just like most people. Staying positive and being strong has helped me move past these road blocks as well as having patience. Sometimes you just have to stop and breathe to see the bigger picture. Know that everything happens for a reason.

This photo was taken a few years in Bellmore, NY at the Meroke Preserve. I have always loved pathways, whether they be a bridge, a road, or just a simple trail, they remain one of my favorite things to photograph. Its become such a connection to my life, the will to keep moving forward.

You may not see a clear path in this shot, but I do. The trees are silently guarding it and the sun is delicately lighting the way. Nature always shows you where to go. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper and really think about the best way to move forward in life. Don’t let anything or anyone get you down. Be positive, stay motivated, and kick ass. Hopefully, just like me, you will always find a way to succeed.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Finding a Way - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Color in Films: The Village

26 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color in Films, Color Inspiration

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children, color palette, colors, earth, forest, green, hues, lesson, life, love, M. Night Shyamalan, monsters, moss green, nature, new england, Pennsylvania, red, tale, the village, trees, village, wicked, woods, yellow

I am a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan, always was and always will be. I think he is such a great storyteller. He brings a true sentimental touch to the screen that leaves you thinking much more than when you started. The Village is one of those films. One of my favorites from his collection, its a tale of protection, fear, and love. With beautiful cinematography, flawless set and art direction, and an amazing group of actors, The Village explores the boundaries of good and evil and true love.

The film takes place in a small Pennsylvania village cut off from the rest of the world. The elders have built it to protect their children from the “wicked”. There are known monsters that live beyond the village and because of this watch towers and barriers of oil lanterns have been constructed for their protection. The time is 1987 but the villagers live an Amish lifestyle, no electricity and a simple way of living.

The main couple, Lucias and Ivy, express their love for each other and plan to soon marry. When a young boy dies and Lucias asks to go into “the towns” for medicine, he is denied. However, he ventures out anyway. The color red is used throughout the film as the bad color, and is seen on doors & shown through flowers when the monsters are near. Red cloaks also cloth their bodies. While he is away, the village has a visit from these beings and it startles everyone into a frenzy. A few days after Lucias gets back, he sadly gets stabbed by another man, Noah, in the village, who loves the girl as well. Unfortunately, he has developmental issues and doesn’t truly realize what he has done.

In order to help Lucias, Ivy gets ready for her trip to the towns for medicine. Although she is blind, she is strong willed and eventually makes it back with the items she needs. The journey through the woods is one of terror and truimph, as she comes across one of the monsters and defeats it. But there is a major secret in the village that unfolds through the film and in the end another life is lost because of it.

Told through the colors of nature and New England beauty, The Village is a remarkable tale filled with lessons on life and love. From the mossy greens and earthy browns to the pops of yellow and red, the backdrop of the woods truly allows for a peaceful, yet haunting feel. There are scenes that will surely win you over and ones that will startle your inner being. Another great story with a message that will continue to be relevant as the years go by.

Color in Films: The Village

Inspiration Photo Friday: Changes

31 Friday May 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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change, earth, evolution, family, friends, grounded, journey, life, mother earth, nature, trees, world

The world we live in will always change. That goes for each of our lives as well. Expecting people to stay the same is very naive, we all grow and evolve. Hopefully, its for the better. My life has certainly gone through a lot of change, from childhood to now. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As I look around at the people in my life, both friends and family, everyone has changes they are going through. From babies and marriage to ending relationships, moving, and coping with death, its all important to their growth as individuals. And it all happens for a reason, even if its not that great at the time. I can vouch for this for sure.

The photo below was taken recently while my husband Dan and I were on our vacation in Massachusetts. There is always something about a quiet road or path that inspires me to keep going in a positive direction. This photo also reminds me of one thing that will never change, nature. Mother Earth is always there to surround you with love and protection, sharing its beauty every chance it gets.

So when there are times that change gets a little too much, visit a park or take a peaceful walk in the woods. You can always count on nature to keep you grounded and calm. It’s the one thing that can never be taken away. So cherish it with all your heart and appreciate all it does for us. Because it doesn’t just give, it teaches all of us about the one thing we can’t escape, change. Evolving every minute, Earth does a fantastic job at showing us how to evolve with grace.